About Seminole State Commits

In the Beginning

A student in class listening to a teacher lecturing

Low and moderate income communities in Seminole County were substantially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Seminole State is committed to increasing the proportion of working adults in our region who have earned postsecondary credentials of value.

To achieve our goal, we turned to Broward College and its program, "Broward UP," that achieves the same goals that we are striving for. The “UP” stands for “unlimited potential.” Broward created a continuing education to credit and career pathway for students that has been very effective. Since 2018 Broward has served more than 3,000 residents in areas of their county with the highest poverty rates and lowest educational attainment rates. Those students have earned more than 2,000 certificates and industry certifications, getting them workforce ready for jobs with stable wages.

In Spring 2022, Seminole State began an initiative in the Goldsboro neighborhood of Sanford to provide educational opportunities for community members impacted by COVID-19.

Students impacted by COVID-19 were able to take a Computer Applications course in person at the Dr. Velma H.Williams Westside Community Center in Goldsboro and later online. Students were able to take either a Business Specialist Technical Certificate or Office Systems Certificate free of charge for books and tuition with the College covering the cost. Ten students participated in the first class taught by Seminole State faculty in the community and five graduated in Summer 2022.

Where We're Heading

 “Large percentage of students who withdraw... never earn a credential” 

In Seminole County, 94.5% of residents have graduated high school, 53.5% have an A.A. and 39.6% have a bachelor’s degree, but this is not true for every ZIP code and every community.

There is also an educational fallout between achieving a high school diploma and an associate degree (41% difference), and Seminole State has a large percentage of students who withdraw for family, financial, work and other reasons and never earn a credential. These adults join the 22% of adults in the U.S. who have some college but no degree.

Seminole State Commits addresses our greatest challenges in increasing educational opportunity for adults. Through Commits we will:

  1. Identify and build relationships with local community leaders and residents in underserved communities.
  2. Build awareness and trust among minorities and under-employed, unemployed and working adults, especially those impacted by COVID-19.
  3. Create degrees, certificates and programs that meet community and employer needs and provide family-sustaining incomes.

How We're Funded

Funding:

Seminole State Commits offers free non-credit, non-degree seeking courses and workshops to qualifying students referred by community partners. Through a transformational investment of $1 million from Seminole County, the college was able to launch this initiative. Certain restrictions apply.

Other internal and external funding opportunities may be available for eligible students outside these areas. Our Commits coordinator can assist with other available funding opportunities for students.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older for most Seminole State Commits courses. For health care courses, applicants must also have completed a high school diploma or GED. If you have not completed a high school diploma or GED, we can assist you through our Adult Education program.